A journey from the Coromandel to Malabar Coast with British and French colonial architecture, mansions of the wealthy Chettinad, Hindu Temples, antique shops, spice warehouses and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 01

Driven from Chennai to Pondicherry, a former French colony, via the Rock Carvings and Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram (Mamalapuram).

Stay at the elegant 18th century Hotel De L’Orient.

Or, stay at The Promenade, a luxury boutique hotel, overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Alternatively, stay at the Dune Eco Beach Hotel, 15 Kms from the heart of Pondicherry, a 30 acre eco-friendly beach hotel with unique 24 aesthetic villas and 15 rooms fusing modern and traditional architecture, swimming pool, organic farm, tennis court… and 700m of sea front.

Day 02

Visit Shri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.

Stay a second night at your choice of hotel.

Day 03

Driven to INDeco Swaminmalai, a 100 year old heritage home in a Coconut Grove on the banks of the river Cauvery.

Day 04

Driven to Thanjavur to see the World Heritage 11th century Brihadisvara Temple and 16th centuryPalace.

Stay a second night at INDeco Swaminmalai.

Day 05

Driven to Karaikkudi, the heart of the Chettinad homeland with its magnificent mansions and antique shops.

Stay at The Bangala, the ancestral home of a Chettinad family where Mrs. Meenakshi Meyyappan continues to look after our clients with humour and dedication as much as ever.

Or, stay at CGH Earth Visalam, a 72 year old mansion restored to its original state, where the distinctive Chettinad cuisines are served in traditional fashion.

Day 06

Visit Karaikudi, local mansions and antique shops.

Stay a second night at your choice of hotel.

Day 07

Driven to the temple town of Madurai. Packed with pilgrims from all of India.

Stay at the colonial styled The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai.

Day 08

Visit Shree Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayaka Palace.

Stay a second night at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai.

Day 09

Driven to Periyar.

Stay at Kanjirapally Estate, a Coffee and Cardamom plantation home of a delightful couple, Mathew and Gita.

Day 10

Experience a tranquil boat ride on Periyar Lake and take walks through the deliciously aromatic Coffee and Cardamom plantations.

Stay a second night at Kanjirapally Estate.

Day 11

Transfer to a Rice Barge Houseboat for an Overnight Houseboat Cruise of the backwaters, observing all of life; the people living on narrow strips of land, fishing, washing, cooking, going to school, farming and harvesting the paddy.

The Rice Barge Houseboat is an Air-conditioned luxury Kettuvallam, with your own crew to pamper and look after your every whim, also arranging when required, your swimming in the lakes.

Day 12

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the Houseboat Cruise to stay at the simple home stay Mankotta Island, the ancestral home of a delightful Syrian Christian couple Jai & Laila. The accommodation is basic, but the stay at this home is memorable

Day 13

Relax and stay a second night at Mankotta Island

Day 14

Driven 2 hours to Paravur, Kollam. Stay at Fragrant Nature Retreat, nestled amongst graceful palms, on over five acres of beautifully landscaped, waterside land, on the breathtakingly beautiful and serene Mala lake with excellent food and a host of enjoyable leisure activities

Day15

Stay a second night at Fragrant Nature Retreat.

Day 16

Driven to Trivandrum/Kovalam.

Stay at Niraamaya Group’s – Surya Samudra, Kovalam (Formerly Surya Samudra Pvt. Retreat ).
This personalized private retreat is a heritage property with beautiful wooden traditional Kerala houses for rooms, offering all the 21st century comforts with the beach as close to a private one you can get. The evening entertainment (optional) gives a glimpse into the local culture.
Food is tasty and the chef is ready to cater to preferences. Friendly staff. The excellent Spa with the various massages make it a rejuvenating and relaxing break.

Day 17

Relax and stay second night at Niraamaya Group’s – Surya Samudra, Kovalam.

Day 18

Check out of the Resort. – END OF TOUR.